Grand Falls or Chocolate Falls

Grand Falls often gets called The Chocolate Falls. Just try to picture how it looks as a result of such a name. What a sight it forms while pouring over the cliffs.

Grand Falls or Chocolate Falls forms a unique waterfall system situated near Flagstaff, Arizona, in the United States. This marvel of geology also sits on land belonging to the Navajo Nation.

This waterfall remains rather infamous for its extremely muddy waters. These often give the waterfall its distinctive chocolate color. The Chocolate Falls also ranks as a waterfall in an extremely remote location. Perhaps that serves as a good thing.

The terrain surrounding Grand Falls also stays quite rugged. This appears to be appreciated by both adventurers and Native Americans. The flow rate of the waterfall also varies considerably, depending on the season.

Access to the area remains allowed by permit only. Officials advise that only experienced hikers attempt the trail. Even experienced hikers get advised against attempting the trail to access Grand Falls without local Native American guides.

Source: http://bit.ly/1IqJOiA Photographer: Frank Kovalchek

Grand Falls Origin and Physical Characteristics

Grand Falls formed roughly 150,000 years ago, in the region now known as the Painted Desert. Such a unique name. At that time, the eruption of a volcano formed the nearby Merriam Crater.

Lava from the eruption flowed into the Colorado River and formed a natural dam. The resulting rerouting of the river created Grand Falls. This waterfall measures nearly 185 ft ( 56 m) in height. The chocolate fountains you find in restaurants can’t compare to that.

During the dry season, the flow rate reduces to a slow trickle and sometimes even ceases entirely, which seems a great pity. During the winter, snowmelt creates an almost steady flow. Sporadic torrential rains create an enormous flow for brief periods when they occur in the region.